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REI Bucking Black Friday Shopping, Will Close Stores That Day

KENT, Wash. (KDKA/AP) - Outdoor retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc., known as REI, has announced it will buck Black Friday and close its 143 stores on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

The Kent-based co-op told members the plan in an email Monday, saying instead of working they'll pay their employees on Nov. 27 to be outside.

REI also created the social media hashtag #optoutside and a website where people can share their outdoorsy plans for that day.

It's historically one of the top five days of the year for REI, but President and CEO Jerry Stritzke doesn't care.

In a video to their customers, Stritzke says, "This Black Friday we're closing all 143 of our stores, and we're paying our employees to get outside because we believe a life lived outside is a life well lived."

Customers find it hard to believe, but applaud the move none the less.

Stritzke told CBS This Morning that the message is more important than the money.

"I think it's important for brands to always be true to who they are and for us encouraging people to get outside, particularly on a holiday like Thanksgiving, we do believe that is an important message," he said.

The employees are, to say the least, thrilled.

"It's a great opportunity for us to get outside, get away from the businesses of the holiday ,maybe get to spend an extra time with our family," said Nick Rossello, an REI employee.

"It's fantastic. I haven't been off on a Black Friday in over 30 years, so it's super," said Ron Rodriguez, a manager.

Not only will REI employees be off, there will be no Black Friday sales before or after, and online sales won't be processed till Saturday because those employees will be off, too.

Throughout the day Tuesday, the employees were putting down in chalk their plans for Black Friday.

"I will spend my Black Friday with my family and hiking around the Lake Erie area," said Nina Quin, an employee.

The National Retail Federation said fewer people shopped over Thanksgiving weekend last year due to early discounts, more online shopping and a mixed economy.

A $2 billion-a-year company, REI has been named by Fortune Magazine as one of the top 100 companies to work for.

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